BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a meander line antenna that is constituted by a
folded conductive pattern, and adjustable to a desired electrical property.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Various flat antennas are proposed for applying to an IC tag (Integrated Circuit
Tag), an RF-ID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag), and the like, where a meander
line antenna is one of the kinds. Various structures of the meander line antenna are
proposed, an example being a folded dipole antenna conductive pattern formed in the
shape of a zigzag.
[0003] An example of a method of manufacturing the meander line antenna that consists of
one or more layers of a conductive pattern is known, wherein a meander-like conductive
pattern is formed on or in a dielectric substrate and a magnetic substance substrate,
the pattern is cut so that a desired antenna property may be acquired, and calcination
is performed on the substrate, (for example, Patent Reference 1). Further, according
to another known method, a conductive pattern in the shape of a meander serving as
a feed radiation electrode, a conductive pattern in the shape of a meander serving
as a non-feed radiation electrode, and a conductive pattern for in-series inductance
adjustment are formed on a dielectric substrate, wherein the resonance frequency is
adjusted by partially removing the conductive pattern for in-series inductance adjustment
(for example, Patent Reference 2).
[0004] Further, a meander line antenna, a resonance frequency of which is adjustable, is
disclosed, wherein the meander line antenna has shorting conductors at two or more
places between countering lines of a part of the meander-like conductive pattern.
There, the resonance frequency is lowered by selecting cutting points of the shorting
conductors; and the resonance frequency is made higher by short-connecting between
points of countering lines, such shorting points being properly chosen (for example,
Patent Reference 3). Further, a meander antenna that is sealed by dielectrics except
for the feeding point of the antenna is known, wherein the resonance frequency is
adjusted by selectively removing two or more short circuit sections (for example,
Patent Reference 4).
[0005] Further, characteristics measurements and simulations are conducted about a meander
line antenna applicable to IC tags, and the like, wherein the length of the meander
line antenna is set between 0.025 and 0.1 wavelength at 700 MHz, and parameters are
width W, length L, line width d, line pitch s, the number of folding times N, and
the like of the target antenna (for example, Non-Patent Reference 1).
[0006] [Patent Reference 1] JPA 2001-119224
[0007] [Patent Reference 2] JPA 2001-217631
[0008] [Patent Reference 3] JPA 2002-330018
[0009] [Patent Reference 4] JPA 2004-32102
[0010] [Non-Patent Reference 1] "Radiation and Ohmic Resistances in Very Small Meander Line
Antennas of Less than 0.1 Wavelength", Masato Takiguchi and Yoshihide Yamada, The
Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, IEICE Transaction
B, Vol. J87-B No. 9, pp 1336-1345, September 2004.
[Description of the Invention]
[Problem(s) to be solved by the Invention]
[0011] A meander line antenna is a plane type antenna, and can be produced in large quantity
using printed-circuit technology applied to manufacturing various kinds of printed
circuit boards. However, the property of the antenna is greatly influenced by operating
environment conditions, and electrical properties such as the dielectric constant
of the substrate serving as a card on which the meander line antenna is installed.
For this reason, a problem is that design changes in the antenna length, etc., and
trial productions have to be repeated until a desired property adequate for place
of use corresponding to the electrical property of the substrate of the meander line
antenna is acquired. Further, at present, a band between 860 and 960 MHz, and another
band in a 2.45 GHz region are available for the RF-ID tags. Therefore, in order to
obtain a meander line antenna applicable to two or more frequency bands such as described
above, the problem of having to repeat the design changes and trial productions for
each of the bands is more serious.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a meander line antenna
that substantially obviates one or more of the problems caused by the limitations
and disadvantages of the related art. Specifically, the present invention aims at
offering a meander line antenna that can be coarsely and finely tuned such that desired
properties are obtained.
[0013] Features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the description
that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying
drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings
provided in the description. Objects as well as other features and advantages of the
present invention will be realized and attained by a meander line antenna particularly
pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as
to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention.
[0014] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention,
as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides as follows.
[Means for Solving the Problem]
[0015] The present invention provides a meander line antenna, the basic structure of which
includes a folded conductive pattern of a dipole antenna in the shape of a meander;
a bottom half section consisting of a folded conductive pattern that has a feeding
point arranged approximately at the center thereof; a top half section consisting
of a folded conductive pattern shaped like the bottom half section, except that no
feeding point is provided; a coarse tuning section consisting of two or more short
circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning that connect countering conductive patterns
of either or both of the bottom half section and the top half section at a predetermined
interval; and a fine-tuning section consisting of two or more short circuit conductive
patterns for fine tuning that connect countering conductive patterns of the top half
section at a position that counters the feeding point at a predetermined interval.
[0016] Based on the structure described above,
a short circuit conductive pattern for coarse tuning can be selected out of the short
circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning of the coarse tuning section, the selected
one remaining intact and others being removed; and
a short circuit conductive pattern for fine tuning can be selected out of the short
circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning of the fine-tuning section, the selected
one remaining intact and others being removed.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the basic structure of the
meander line antenna includes a bottom half section consisting of a folded conductive
pattern, and a feeding point arranged at approximately the center thereof; a top half
section consisting of a folded conductive pattern shaped like the bottom half section,
except that no feeding point is provided; a coarse tuning section consisting of two
or more connection conductive patterns for coarse tuning connecting the bottom half
section and the top half section at a predetermined interval; and a fine-tuning section
consisting of two or more short circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning that connect
countering conductive patterns of the top half section at a position that counters
the feeding point at a predetermined interval.
[0018] Based on the structure described above,
a short circuit conductive pattern for coarse tuning can be selected out of the short
circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning of the coarse tuning section, the selected
one remaining intact and others being removed; and
a short circuit conductive pattern for fine tuning can be selected out of the short
circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning of the fine-tuning section, the selected
one remaining intact and others being removed.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the basic structure of the
meander line antenna includes a folded conductive pattern of a folded dipole antenna
in the shape of a meander, and a feeding point is arranged approximately at the central
part thereof, wherein an interval between countering conductive patterns immediately
adjacent to the feeding point is made greater than an interval between other countering
conductive patterns. The basic structure of the meander line antenna further includes
a coarse tuning section consisting of two or more short circuit conductive patterns
for coarse tuning that connect countering conductive patterns at a predetermined interval,
and
a fine-tuning section consisting of two or more short circuit conductive patterns
for fine tuning that connect countering conductive patterns at a position countering
the feeding point at a predetermined interval.
[0020] Based on the structure described above,
a short circuit conductive pattern for coarse tuning can be selected out of the short
circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning of the coarse tuning section, the selected
one remaining intact and others being removed such that a desired resonance frequency
is obtained; and
a short circuit conductive pattern for fine tuning can be selected out of the short
circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning of the fine-tuning section, the selected
one remaining intact and others being removed such that desired impedance is obtained.
[Effect of the Invention]
[0021] The basic structures as described above are produced in large quantities. Then, coarse
tuning is carried out by the coarse tuning section, and fine tuning is carried out
by the fine-tuning section so that a desired electrical property of each meander line
antenna is obtained. Since what is necessary is just to remove unnecessary conductive
patterns by a cutter, a punch, etc., in order to obtain a conductive pattern that
provides the desired property, repetition of design changes and trial productions
is dispensed with, and the meander line antenna can be supplied at less cost, time,
and effort.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022]
Fig. 1 is a pattern view according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are pattern views according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention;
Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are Smith charts according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention;
Fig. 4 is a pattern view according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C are pattern views according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C are Smith charts according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a pattern view according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;
Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are pattern views according to Embodiment 3 of the present
invention;
Figs. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are Smith charts according to Embodiment 3 of the present
invention;
Figs. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are pattern views according to Embodiment 3 of the
present invention;
Figs. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E are Smith charts according to Embodiment 3 of the
present invention;
Fig. 12A is a table for explaining impedances by fine tuning according to Embodiment
3 of the present invention; and
Fig. 12B is a block diagram representing an equivalent circuit of an antenna and an
IC chip.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In the following, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] The meander line antenna according to the present invention is constituted by a folded
conductive pattern of a folded dipole antenna in the shape of a meander as shown in
Fig. 1. The meander line antenna includes a bottom half section consisting of a folded
conductive pattern, and a feeding point (c) approximately at the central part thereof,
and a top half section consisting of a folded conductive pattern shaped like the bottom
half section. The meander line antenna further includes a coarse tuning section (a)
consisting of two or more short circuit conductive patterns 1 for coarse tuning that
connect countering conductive patterns of either or both of the bottom half section
and the top half section at a predetermined interval, and a fine-tuning section (b)
consisting of two or more short circuit conductive patterns 2 for fine tuning that
connect countering conductive patterns of the top half section at a position that
counters the feeding point (c) at a predetermined interval.
[Embodiment 1]
[0025] Fig. 1 is a pattern view showing the basic structure of the meander line folded dipole
antenna according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The top half section and
the bottom half section of the basic structure are approximately symmetric, and the
structure includes coarse tuning sections (a), a fine-tuning section (b), and a feeding
point (c) to which an IC chip is mounted and connected. For example, the length L
is set at 48 mm, the width W is set at 22.5 mm, the width of the conductive patterns
is set at 0.25 mm, the intervals between the countering conductive patterns of the
fine-tuning section (b) and between the countering conductive patterns at the feeding
point (c) are set at 1.5 mm, and the intervals between other countering conductive
patterns are set at 0.75 mm. Further, the interval between the top half section and
the bottom half section is set at 1.5 mm, for example. Further, the coarse tuning
sections (a) formed in the top half section and the bottom half section are constituted
by short circuit conductive patterns 1 for coarse tuning that make short circuit connections
between countering conductive patterns at two or more places, and the fine-tuning
section (b) is constituted by short circuit conductive patterns 2 for fine tuning
that make short circuit connections at two or more places between countering conductive
patterns of the top half section that counters the feeding point (c). Here, the intervals
between the countering conductive patterns in the fine-tuning section (b) can be selected
in consideration of a fine-tuning step, an adjustment process, etc. Further, the interval
between the countering conductive patterns at the feeding point (c) can be selected
in consideration of IC chip mounting, etc.
[0026] By cutting off short circuit conductive patterns 1 other than specific ones, meander
line antennas having different widths are obtained. Where short circuit conductive
patterns 1 and 2 are cut, they are cut by a cutter, a punch, and the like. Specifically,
by cutting off the short circuit conductive patterns 1 for coarse tuning other than
those that are located outer-most in the width directions of the coarse tuning sections
(a) of the top half section and the bottom half section of the basic structure, and
by cutting off the short circuit conductive patterns 2 for fine tuning other than
one that is located innermost in the width directions of the fine-tuning section (b),
a meander line antenna having a width W1 (=W) as shown in Fig. 2A is obtained. Here,
the length L is the same as that of the basic structure shown in Fig. 1. Next, by
cutting off the short circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning 1 that are located
outer-most, third outer-most, and fourth outer-most of the coarse adjustment sections
(a), i.e., the second outer-most patterns are left intact, a meander line antenna
having a width W2 (<W1) as shown in Fig. 2B is obtained. Here, the fine-tuning section
(b) leaves intact the short circuit conductive pattern 2 for fine tuning that is located
inner-most, with others being removed, which is the same as shown in Fig. 2A. Next,
if the third outer-most short circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning of the
coarse adjustment section (a) are left intact, and other short circuit conductive
patterns for coarse tuning are cut off, a meander line antenna having a width W3 (<W2<W1)
as shown in Fig. 2C is obtained. Here, also, the fine-tuning section (b) shows the
case that is the same as shown in Fig. 2A. Similarly, if the short circuit conductive
patterns for coarse tuning located in the outer-most, second outer-most, and third
outer-most levels of the coarse tuning sections (a) are removed, i.e., only the fourth
outer-most short circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning are left intact, a
meander line antenna having a width W4 (<W3<W2<W1) as shown in Fig. 2D is obtained.
Note that L is maintained at 48 mm in these examples.
[0027] Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are Smith charts showing the impedance characteristics of
the meander line antennas shown in Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, respectively, in a frequency
range between 800 and 1100 MHz, wherein a black dot mark indicates the impedance at
900 MHz. Fig. 3A shows the impedance characteristics of the structure shown in Fig.
2A, where the coarse tuning section (a) is adjusted to W1=W=24.5 mm, which is the
same as the basic structure. Further, Fig. 3B shows the impedance characteristics
where the coarse tuning section (a) is adjusted to W2= 22.5 mm as shown in Fig. 2B.
Further, Fig. 3C shows the impedance characteristics where the coarse tuning section
(a) is adjusted to W3= 20.25 mm as shown in Fig. 2C. Further, Fig. 3D shows the impedance
characteristics where the coarse tuning section (a) is adjusted to W4= 18.25 mm as
shown in Fig. 2D. In addition, adjustment steps can be set up by setting up the interval
of the short circuit conductive patterns 1 for coarse tuning. Further, the number
of adjustment stages can be set up by the number of the short circuit conductive patterns
1 for coarse tuning.
[0028] According to Embodiment 1 as described above, coarse tuning is carried out by removing
appropriate short circuit conductive patterns 1 for coarse tuning of the coarse tuning
section (a) of the top half section and the bottom half section in a symmetric form.
However, it is also possible to remove short circuit conductive patterns 1 in an asymmetric
form, which also attains coarse tuning. That is, it is possible to perform coarse
tuning by removing the short circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning of the
coarse tuning section (a) of only the top half section or only the bottom half section.
Further, it is also possible to remove short circuit conductive patterns 1 for coarse
tuning in an alternating manner (such as every other pattern, every third pattern,
and so on) in the direction of the length L for either or both the top half section
and the bottom half section. In this case, coarse tuning can also be performed by
an asymmetric structure for the top half section and the bottom half section. By any
one of the coarse tuning methods, coarse tuning of the impedance of the antenna is
possible with no degradation of antenna properties. Further, by removing appropriate
short circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning of the fine-tuning section (b),
the impedance of the antenna can be fine-tuned. In this manner, the meander line antenna
with desired impedance can be obtained.
[Embodiment 2]
[0029] Fig. 4 is a pattern view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, showing the basic
structure formed in an area of a width W and a length L. For example, the dimensions
can be set at L= 48 mm, W= 20 mm, and the width of the conductive pattern at 0.25
mm. According to Embodiment 2, the coarse adjustment section (a) is constituted by
connection conductive patterns 3 for coarse tuning that connect the top half section
and the bottom half section at two or more places. The fine-tuning section (b) is
arranged at the top half section that counters the feeding point (c), which is the
same as shown in Fig. 1. Namely, according to the basic structure, each of the top
half section and the bottom half section has 24 folded conductive patterns that are
symmetrically arranged in the top half section and the bottom half section except
for the position of the feeding point (c) for mounting an IC chip as Embodiment 1
shown in Fig. 1. The interval between the conductive patterns immediately adjacent
to the feeding point (c) is made greater than other portions in order to mount the
IC chip. The interval between the countering conductive patterns of the top half section
that counters the feeding point (c) is also formed wider, and constitutes the fine-tuning
section (b) by the short circuit conductive patterns 2 for fine tuning that connect
the countering conductive patterns at two or more places. Here, although the coarse
adjustment section (a) shows the case wherein every folded section of the top half
section and the bottom half section is connected by the connection conductive patterns
3 for coarse tuning, the connection conductive patterns 3 for coarse tuning may be
provided every other piece or one for every predetermined number of pieces.
[0030] Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C show the structures of the meander line antennas that are obtained
by selectively removing the connection conductive patterns 3 for coarse tuning that
connect the top half section and the bottom half section of the coarse tuning section
(a) in Fig. 4. Here, as for the fine-tuning section (b), the fourth short circuit
conductive pattern for fine tuning, the "fourth" being counted from the top, is left
intact, and other short circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning are removed.
[0031] Fig. 5A shows the structure wherein the outer-most and the fifth connection conductive
patterns for coarse tuning are left intact, "the fifth" being counted from the respective
outer-most connection conductive patterns for coarse tuning, with others being removed.
The interval between the fifth connection conductive patterns for coarse tuning is
31.5 mm.
[0032] Fig. 5B shows the structure wherein the outer-most and the ninth connection conductive
patterns for coarse tuning are left intact with others being removed. Here, the interval
between the ninth connection conductive patterns for coarse tuning is 15.5 mm.
[0033] Fig. 5C shows the structure wherein the outer-most and the eleventh connection conductive
patterns for coarse tuning are left intact with others being removed. The interval
between the eleventh connection conductive patterns for coarse tuning is 3.5 mm.
[0034] Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C are Smith charts showing the impedance characteristics in 800-1100
MHz of the structures shown in Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C, respectively. The black dot marks
indicate the impedance at 900 MHz. As shown by Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the impedance
of the antenna widely varies by selection of the connection conductive patterns for
coarse tuning of the coarse tuning sections (a) that connect the top half section
and the bottom half section. Here, as for the fine-tuning section (b), the fourth
(counted from the top) short circuit conductive pattern for fine tuning is left intact,
with others being removed, for example. The impedance can be finely tuned by choosing
the short circuit conductive pattern for fine tuning of the fine-tuning section (b)
after coarse tuning.
[Embodiment 3]
[0035] The basic structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention is described with reference
to Fig. 7 that is a pattern view having the area of a length L and a width W. The
fine-tuning section (b) is formed in the top half section that counters the feeding
point (c) with two or more short circuit conductive patterns 2 for fine tuning in
the same manner as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. The feeding point (c) of Embodiment
3 is constituted by broad conductive patterns so that an IC chip may be mounted and
connected. The coarse adjustment section (a) of Embodiment 3 is constituted in the
bottom half section by two or more short circuit conductive patterns 4 for coarse
tuning that are provided between the countering conductive patterns, the interval
of which is greater than that of the fine-tuning section (b). For example, dimensions
are as follows. W= 20 mm, L= 48 mm, conductive pattern width = 0.25 mm, interval between
the countering conductive patterns of the fine-tuning section (b) = 1.5 mm, interval
between the short circuit conductive patterns 2 for fine tuning = 1.75 mm, interval
between the countering conductive patterns of the coarse tuning section (a) = 9.5
mm, and interval between the short circuit conductive patterns 4 for coarse tuning
= 1.75 mm.
[0036] Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show the structures wherein selected short circuit conductive
patterns are left intact, with others being removed with reference to the basic structure
shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show the structures wherein
the fourth (counted from the under-most, i.e., the closest to the feeding point (c)
at an interval of 1.75 mm), the third (3.5 mm from the feeding point (c)), the second
(5.25 mm from the feeding point (c)), and the first (7 mm from the feeding point (c)),
respectively, short circuit conductive pattern 4 for coarse tuning is left intact
with others being removed in the coarse tuning section (a). As for the short circuit
conductive pattern 2 for fine tuning of the fine-tuning section (b), only the bottom
short circuit conductive pattern 2 is left intact, with others being removed.
[0037] Fig. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are Smith charts showing the impedance characteristics in
800-1100 MHz of the structures shown in Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, respectively, and
the black dot marks indicate the impedance at 900 MHz. That is, the impedance of the
antenna can be widely changed by selection of the short circuit conductive patterns
for coarse tuning of the coarse tuning section (a). In addition, for the fine-tuning
section (b), the impedance can be finely tuned like Embodiments 1 and 2 by choosing
the short circuit conductive pattern for fine tuning after coarse tuning.
[0038] Figs. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E show the structures wherein the second (1 mm from
the top), the fourth (3 mm from the top), the sixth (5 mm from the top), the eighth
(7 mm from the top), and the tenth (9 mm from the top), respectively, short circuit
conductive patterns 2 for fine tuning of the fine-tuning section (b) are left intact
with others being removed with reference to the basic structure shown in Fig. 7. Here,
as for coarse tuning, the bottom short circuit conductive pattern 4 for coarse tuning
of the coarse tuning section (a) is left intact with others being removed. The fine
tuning is carried out after the coarse tuning as shown in Fig. 8D.
[0039] Fig. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E are Smith charts showing the impedance characteristics
of the antenna having the structures shown in Figs. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E, respectively,
and the black dot marks indicate the impedance at 900 MHz. As shown by the Smith charts,
fine tuning that cannot be visible on the charts is possible.
[0040] Fig. 12A is a table that summarizes the impedance Z [Ω] at 900 MHz, admittance Y
[mS], and parallel capacity C [pF] of the structures shown in Figs. 10A, 10B, 10C,
10D, and 10E. Here, the sign "i" represents the imaginary part of the impedance Z
and admittance Y. Fig. 12B shows the equivalent circuit of the antenna and IC chip,
wherein the IC chip contains a resistance component Rp and a capacity component Cp.
Impedance matching is carried out such that a resistance component of the impedance
Z of the antenna is made equal to the resistance component Rp of the IC chip, and
impedance of an inductance component of the impedance Z of the antenna is made equal
to impedance of the capacity component Cp of the IC chip.
[0041] Although it is hardly visible in the Smith charts of Fig. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and
11E, minute changes are as shown in the table of Fig. 12A. Specifically, the capacity
component Cp can be finely tuned in steps of about 0.001 pF. In addition, the fine
tuning carried out by Embodiment 3 is also applicable to Embodiments 1 and 2.
[0042] Further, the present invention is not limited to the Embodiments, but variations
and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
1. A meander line antenna formed by folding a conductive pattern of a folded dipole antenna
in the shape of a meander, having a basic structure
characterized by:
a bottom half section consisting of a folded conductive pattern, and a feeding point
arranged approximately at the center of the folded conductive pattern;
a top half section consisting of a folded conductive pattern shaped like the bottom
half section;
a coarse tuning section consisting of a plurality of short circuit conductive patterns
for coarse tuning that connect countering conductive patterns of either or both of
the bottom half section and the top half section at a predetermined interval; and
a fine-tuning section consisting of a plurality of short circuit conductive patterns
for fine tuning that connect countering conductive patterns of the top half section,
the countering conductive patterns being located at a position that counters the feeding
point at a predetermined interval.
2. The meander line antenna as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
out of said short circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning, selected short circuit
conductive patterns for coarse tuning are left intact while other short circuit conductive
patterns for coarse tuning are removed, and
out of said short circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning, a selected short circuit
conductive pattern for fine tuning is left intact while other short circuit conductive
patterns for fine tuning are removed.
3. A meander line antenna formed by folding a conductive pattern of a folded dipole antenna
in the shape of a meander, having a basic structure
characterized by:
a bottom half section consisting of a folded conductive pattern, and a feeding point
arranged approximately at the center of the folded conductive pattern;
a top half section consisting of a folded conductive pattern shaped like the bottom
half section;
a coarse tuning section consisting of a plurality of connection conductive patterns
for coarse tuning that connect the bottom half section and the top half section at
a predetermined interval;
a fine-tuning section consisting of a plurality of short circuit conductive patterns
for fine tuning that connect countering conductive patterns of the top half section,
the countering conductive pattern being located at a position that counters the feeding
point at a predetermined interval.
4. The meander line antenna as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that
out of said short circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning, selected connection
conductive patterns for coarse tuning are left intact while other short circuit conductive
patterns for coarse tuning are removed, and
out of said short circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning, a selected short circuit
conductive pattern for fine tuning is left intact while other short circuit conductive
patterns for fine tuning are removed.
5. A meander line antenna formed by folding a conductive pattern of a folded dipole antenna
in the shape of a meander, having a basic structure
characterized by:
a folded conductive pattern, and a feeding point arranged approximately at the center
of the folded conductive pattern;
a coarse tuning section consisting of a plurality of short circuit conductive patterns
for coarse tuning that connect countering conductive patterns at a predetermined interval,
wherein an interval between the countering conductive patterns immediately adjacent
to the feeding point is set greater than an interval between other countering conductive
patterns; and
a fine-tuning section consisting of a plurality of short circuit conductive patterns
for fine tuning that connect countering conductive patterns, the countering conductive
patterns being located at a position that counters the feeding point, at a predetermined
interval.
6. The meander line antenna as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that
out of said short circuit conductive patterns for coarse tuning, selected short circuit
conductive patterns for coarse tuning are left intact while other short circuit conductive
patterns for coarse tuning are removed, and
out of said short circuit conductive patterns for fine tuning, a selected short circuit
conductive pattern for fine tuning is left intact while other short circuit conductive
patterns for fine tuning are removed.